Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan, 1852-1854... On 31 March 1854, Commodore Matthew Perry signed the Treaty of Kanagawa on behalf of the United States government. This moment signalled the end of the ruling Shogunates policy of isolationism, which had been in place since the early sixteenth century. Although foreign nationsthe Portuguese, the British and Spanishhad once traded there, the perceived threat from the spread of Christianity led to Japans borders being closed, a policy rigorously enforced by the Shogunate, who signified their resolve through systematic expulsion, detention and execution. Perrys success, however, contrived to open up what had once been the curiosity of Christendom to the nations of the world. Commodore Perry and the Opening of Japan is the official account of this historic expedition. Written in a fluent and engaging style, this first-hand report details the colorful minutiae of the voyage to terra incognit, while situating its enterprises and motivations within a wider social and cultural context. Francis L. Hawks was requested to compile the official narrative from the voluminous notes and diaries of the officers of the expeditions.